This Is Uncomfortable

Haley Hirschman, the founding producer, shares the inspiring journey of the show through its ten seasons. She reflects on the challenges of discussing money openly and the importance of vulnerability in financial conversations. The chat covers clever remote work strategies, like using scents for better boundaries, and valuable tips for mindful spending. Listeners also share their transformative experiences, revealing how open discussions about finances can empower individuals. The team thanks audiences for their support and looks forward to the next season!

Jay Benedith, a listener who navigates financial compatibility in her relationship, shares her unique perspective on how differing money habits can challenge love. Her partner, Ben Williams, a high school history teacher, provides insights into their contrasting financial habits. They discuss the significance of a Venmo request that sparked conversations about budgeting and expenses. Their candid dialogue highlights the complexities of financial communication, offering valuable lessons in empathy and understanding for couples facing similar issues.

This week, we’re sharing an episode of another podcast we think you’ll love. “Notes From America With Kai Wright” is a show from WNYC Studios about the unfinished business of our history, and its grip on our future. In this episode, Wright interviews choreographer Bill T. Jones about his groundbreaking dance performance “Still/Here.” Jones shares his reflections on creating such an essential piece of performance art amid the AIDS epidemic and while grieving his own partner, what he learned from spending time with the “survivors” who inspired it, and how “Still/Here” has evolved for a new generation of audiences.To get even more Uncomfortable, subscribe to our newsletter!

Joél Simone Maldonado, a funeral director, embalmer, and sacred grief practitioner, dives deep into the complexities of death care. From her childhood fascination with mortality to founding the Multicultural Death and Grief Care Academy, she discusses the emotional toll of her profession and the difficulty of talking money with grieving families. Joél emphasizes the need for cultural competency in death care and offers practical tips for pre-planning. She reflects on how grief can transform relationships and highlights the importance of legacy through love.

Mike Perry shares his touching journey with a stray dog named Wisdom that profoundly influenced his financial decisions. He reflects on the bond they formed and how it shaped his life after loss. The conversation explores the emotional and financial complexities of caring for pets, especially during their final days. Insights into the costs associated with pet healthcare are discussed, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by pet owners. It's a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the financial choices we make in their honor.

Amanda Petteruti, an insightful storyteller, digs into her father's hidden past as she unravels the mystery behind his secret hobby. Her discovery of locked toolboxes unveils financial secrets and challenges her understanding of family dynamics. The emotional journey through grief and legacy raises profound questions about closure and identity. Amanda reflects on selling her father's coin collection, revealing how personal belongings intertwine with memories and grief, leading her to navigate the bittersweet path of letting go.

Sean Pierre Regis, a journalist and filmmaker, discusses his journey with his mother, Rebecca Danigelis, a former executive housekeeper. They delve into the harsh realities of losing jobs, financial insecurity, and the emotional burden of caregiving. Sean shares the impact of Rebecca’s sudden firing and the subsequent challenges they faced, including living arrangements and finances. Additionally, he reflects on his own lack of retirement savings while Rebecca explores her identity beyond work through tutoring and volunteering.

Nikki Massie, an advocate for fair pay, shares her shocking realization of being underpaid after a decade at her company. She explores the emotional journey of discovering potential salary inequities and reflects on the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Nikki discusses the struggles women, particularly women of color, face regarding wage disparities and the anxiety that surrounds salary negotiations. Through her story, she emphasizes the necessity of open communication about compensation and the empowerment that comes with valuing one's worth.

As we reflect on 10 seasons of “This Is Uncomfortable,” Reema shares a snippet of a conversation with the show’s founder-producer, Hayley Hershman, about what they’ve learned from making the show and how their relationships with money have changed over the years. And we want to hear your thoughts, too!What’s something you’ve learned from listening to “TIU” over the years? You can tell us how your relationship with money or work has changed, or maybe what the show has made you think more deeply about. Record a voice memo and email it to us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org. Or you can call and leave us a message at 347-RING-TIU (347-746-4848). Either way, be sure to include your name and where you’re calling from. There’s a good chance we’ll include it on the show!

Brittany Walsh and Nicole O’Neil, two sisters facing a health crisis, share their emotional journey of navigating health challenges and alternative treatments. Brittany worries as Nicole spends on dubious remedies, leading to tension. They discuss their contrasting views on wellness and the strain on their relationship, highlighted by the complexities of trauma and anxiety. With an exploration of chronic illness and the disappointment of mistrust in conventional medicine, their story captures the essence of sibling support in turbulent times.